The Colorado Rockies are open to moving starting pitcher Esmil Rogers for the “right fit”, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rogers has drawn trade interest and is currently out of options, meaning the Rockies would first have to expose him to waivers if they were to demote him to the minors.
Rogers has spent parts of the last four seasons with the Rockies, posting an uninspiring career ERA and WHIP of 6.76 and 1.814 over his 177 innings pitched. Prior to the 2012 season, Rogers had been used as both a starter and reliever with the Rockies, but Colorado decided to convert the 26-year-old into a full-time reliever this season.
This hasn’t resulted in improved performance from Rogers, as the right-hander has posted an ERA and WHIP of 8.50 and 2.167 over his 16 appearances spanning 18 innings. While Rogers SO/9 is up to 10.5 on the year, his BB/9 has also increased to 6.5. On top of his hefty amount of free passes issued, Rogers has allowed 26 hits over his 18 innings of work.
Despite his ugly numbers, Rosenthal reports that there is trade interest in Rogers. Due to his lack of remaining options and because teams are reportedly expressing interest in Rogers, the Rockies may try to get some value out of him rather than simply exposing him to waivers.
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